Rhabdopterus
Lefèvre, 1877
Rhabdopterus is a of in the Eumolpinae, containing approximately 70 described distributed across North and South America. Eight species occur north of Mexico, though Nearctic species may not be congeneric with the South species. The genus belongs to the , a large group of herbivorous commonly known as leaf beetles. Some species, such as Rhabdopterus jansoni, are significant in agricultural systems, particularly coffee plantations.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Rhabdopterus: //ræbˈdɒptərəs//
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Habitat
Coffee agroecosystems for at least some ; includes plantations of Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora, as well as trees within agroforestry systems. The broader occupies various across the Americas given its wide geographic distribution.
Distribution
North and South America. Approximately 70 described total, with eight species occurring north of Mexico. Species abundance varies by : Rhabdopterus jansoni is more abundant in Coffea arabica plantations than in Coffea canephora plantations.
Diet
Herbivorous. Rhabdopterus jansoni feeds on Coffea spp., with documented preference for Coffea arabica over Coffea canephora; no differential feeding among varieties of C. arabica or between young and old leaves. Diet breadth for other in the is not documented.
Host Associations
- Coffea arabica - Preferred of Rhabdopterus jansoni; higher abundance in plantations of this
- Coffea canephora - Consumed by Rhabdopterus jansoni but less preferred than C. arabica
- shade trees - occurs onRhabdopterus jansoni found on 15 of 18 tree surveyed in coffee agroecosystems; specific tree species not identified in available sources
Behavior
Laboratory feeding preferences of Rhabdopterus jansoni correspond to relative field , suggesting that field surveys may indicate true preference for some agroecosystem . No discrimination among C. arabica varieties or between young and old leaves has been observed.
Ecological Role
in coffee agroecosystems; potential role in agroforestry dynamics involving trees. Specific functions for most are undocumented.
Human Relevance
Some are of coffee plants, with potential significance for coffee agriculture. Rhabdopterus jansoni has been studied as a regionally specific pest or herbivore of Coffea spp. in coffee-growing regions.
Similar Taxa
- RhabdocolaspisFormerly included now moved to this (R. jansoni, R. mexicanus); distinguished by taxonomic revision
- ChalcoplacisFormerly included now moved to this (R. fulvicollis, R. virescens); distinguished by taxonomic revision
- AnachalcoplacisSynonymy involves R. bryanti now placed in A. fulva fulva; distinguished by taxonomic revision
More Details
Taxonomic Uncertainty
The Nearctic (eight species north of Mexico) may not be congeneric with the species, which is South . This suggests potential need for taxonomic revision of North American representatives.
Species-Level Documentation
Most detailed ecological information available pertains to Rhabdopterus jansoni; other in the lack comparable study in accessible sources.